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At the Mercy of the “Whether”

Whenever there’s a threat of a snowstorm school kids wait with baited breath as to whether the weather will give them the highly anticipated “Snow Day!”

Every hurricane and typhoon season, extremely vulnerable places like the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. brace themselves for catastrophic and costly damage left in the wakes of these destructive weather patterns. Of course, these destructive weather patterns are not unique to the U.S. Their impacts can be felt on a global scale.

Despite man’s best advancements in science, technology, and mobility, we’re still at the mercy of the weather.

There is another destructive pattern I’ve seen over the years and even experienced myself. It’s not a weather pattern, it’s more like a “whether” pattern. I know, the grammar police are already seething right now, and probably have even passed up reading this blog post altogether because of my seeming misuse of “whether” vs. “weather.” But, rest assured this is intentional.

Living at the mercy of the “whether” is much like living at the mercy of the “weather.” The weather determines whether (there it is again) we’re going to have a picnic, parade, or other enjoyable outdoor activity. Sure, contingency plans can be made, but trying to have a barbecue or pitch horseshoes indoors just doesn’t have the same effect. Weather can either make or break an outdoor event.

But, what bearing does “whether” have, if any, on our life’s events? I’m glad you asked! As a formally diagnosed perfectionist, I find I can be at the mercy of the “whether.” Whether or not I can do a thing perfectly has hindered me in countless areas of my life. I often have to have “all my ducks in a row” to the point of almost OCD before I feel confident enough to pull the trigger on a project, or even make a blog post (ouch!). I’ve often been the victim of paralysis by analysis. I’m a great planner, but there are just times you have to gather whatever information you can, experts say 80% is a good number, and execute the plan!

Here is some more “whether” patterns for you…

Whether or not I can do it perfectly…

Whether I have perfect conditions for producing…

Whether or not someone else does their part, or lives up to their end of the deal…

Whether I have someone else’s approval…

Whether I “feel” like it or not….

Whether, whether, whether. This is just a very small sampling. You may have a list of your own.

Being at the mercy of the whether can sabotage your future. Placing unreasonable conditions for our success based on whether someone else thinks we’re capable or not, worthy or not, or good enough or not, is no way to live your life. Be whom God called you to be in spite of the whether! God has uniquely gifted and qualified you with talents and abilities, whether others agree or not. Do not let their whether hold you hostage from the Divine plan God has wonderfully and masterfully orchestrated just for you.

There’s a term meteorologists use called “weather maker.” It’s a term used loosely to describe weather conditions or patterns that are ripe for the creation of rain, sleet, snow, or ice. These patterns are so powerful they have the potential to cause disruptions to our daily lives. On the flipside, what if you became your own “whether maker?” What if you created your own climate and allowed the atmosphere of your own life to be filled with faith, hope, strength, and courage?

I’m a believer in climate change. The Apostle Paul was too. He challenged us to create a powerful and positive climate of thought in our minds.

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

What if we started to intentionally stage our lives, even strategically position our lives, for the potential for success in whatever God has called us to do, and just as importantly…be?

We must pray, seek God, seek wise counsel, study, and prepare for success in our godly endeavors a.k.a. be “whether” makers!” Be a champion for climate change in your life and the lives of those you influence.

Don’t let the whether of others cloud your vision. If there are clouds, see them as ripe with rain and ready to pour out their abundance in your life. Weather may stall some of our plans, but whether or not you’re child of God is not up for debate if He has called you and sanctified you!

Like weatherman “wannabe’s” some may point their proverbial wetted finger in the air and say, “Nope, not today buddy! The whether isn’t looking promising for your future success.” You just look ’em in the eye and say, “You know what, it doesn’t matter what your whether says. I believe in climate change!”

Remember this verse as I close, Matthew 5:45, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

When it comes to living out your purpose God wants to rain on your parade in a good way. He wants to rain (and reign) in your life. He wants to allow the showers of blessings to be poured out in great abundance!

Never listen to the “whether makers,” listen to the original “Weather Maker!” As the old song says, “I know the Master of the wind and Maker of the rain.”